2014 Capitol Caucus Focuses On ACA

Three members of Congress – Reps. Michael Burgess of Texas, Phil Roe of Tennessee and Cathy McMorris Rodgers – met with the ninth annual AAPAN Capitol Caucus in Washington, D.C. on May 29.

Each praised AAPAN and its board members for meeting in Washington each year, stressing that members of Congress need to hear firsthand the challenges that payers, providers and administrators are facing in an evolving health care market in the United States.

Once again, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was the dominant topic of conversation – how it is impacting our industry with patients participating in the exchanges, as well as how delayed provisions will impact our businesses once they take effect after the 2014 elections.

Speakers said the House is expected to offer ACA alternatives in the coming weeks, but stressed that the short-term political environment is a challenge because of a divided government and difficulties in getting things done in an election year.

“The President has made it very clear he is not interested in making changes to the law,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said.

Charlotte Ivancic, health policy advisor to Speaker Boehner, said she is hopeful that Congress will be more able to address ACA challenges after the November congressional elections – when supporters may be more apt to acknowledge its shortcomings.

Earlier, Capitol Caucus attendees heard from journalist David Drucker of the Washington Examiner and pollster Bill McInturff, who provided their views on the midterm and 2016 presidential elections – and how health care may impact the elections.

AAPAN President & CEO Karen Greenrose thanked the board members for participating in Capitol Caucus.

“Your involvement and commitment to our organization is crucial to our success – and our ability to advocate on your behalf here in Washington and in the states,” she said. “Our promise to you is this: Regardless of the issue, if our members’ business interests are at risk, we will be your boots on the ground to protect you and your organizations.”